Merseyside family shares their story about incredible support from Claire House

This Children’s Hospice Week, a local family is inviting people to support Claire House and the seriously and terminally ill children it helps.

The national awareness week celebrates the vital work of children’s hospices across the UK and shines a light on the lifeline services they provide to families facing the unimaginable. At Claire House Children’s Hospice, care goes far beyond clinical support. From pain and symptom management to play, counselling and end-of-life care, the charity is there for every moment that matters.

Mark Gould, 46, whose nine-year-old daughter Sophie is supported by the charity explained:

“When people hear the word ‘hospice’, they often think the worst. But Claire House is a home, a safe place for us all. Sophie gets to be independent, have fun and feel included, and we know all her medical needs are taken care of. Thank you never feels big enough for what they’ve done for our family.”

Sophie was born with infantile spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that can cause muscle weakness. This means Sophie is unable to walk and requires 24-hour care.

Mum Pearl Gould, 48, from West Derby, added:

“When Sophie is at Claire House, we can spend time with her older sister Amelia in a way we otherwise couldn’t.”

This year’s Children’s Hospice Week provides an opportunity to share the real impact of hospice care and highlight the growing need for services. It is also an opportunity to call on the Government to provide sustainable funding.

Claire House currently supports more than 500 babies, children and young adults, and their families, in the Wirral hospice, at its West Derby site, and at home across the community, but demand for services continues to rise.

David Pastor, Chief Executive at Claire House, said:

“Children’s Hospice Week is a powerful reminder of the vital support hospices provide to children around the country. At Claire House, we are privileged to support families with specialist care, compassion and understanding, helping them make the most of every moment together.

“But we simply couldn’t do this without the incredible support of our community. With rising demand and ambitious plans to build a second hospice in Liverpool, this support has never been more important.”

Throughout the week, activities including a Wild West Stay and Play session, a princess visit, a special go-karting trip, and a Paddington party will take place as Claire House shares family and staff stories.

Supporters are encouraged to get involved by fundraising, donating or simply helping to spread awareness.

The Merseyside charity is also continuing to work towards its vision of a second hospice in Liverpool, ensuring more children can access care closer to home. Currently, many families travel significant distances for support, something Claire House is determined to change.

“Every pound raised and every conversation shared helps us reach more children who need us. Together, we can ensure no family faces such a difficult journey alone,” David Pastor added.